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How to become a licensed HVAC technician in Tennessee. State-level licensing required. Apprenticeship: 4,000 hours. Total initial fees: $290. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
HVAC Technician
Yes
State Licensed?
4,000
Apprentice Hours
3 levels
License Levels
$290
Total Initial Fees
None
CE Hours
Required
EPA 608
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types
Notes
Tennessee requires HVAC technicians and contractors to be licensed through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Official Title
HVAC Apprentice
Experience Required
No prior experience required; must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program
Exam Required
No
Supervision Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Official Title
HVAC Journeyman
Experience Required
Completion of 4,000 hours of apprenticeship
Exam Required
Yes
Supervision Required
No
Additional Requirements
Official Title
HVAC Contractor
Experience Required
4+ years of licensed experience
Exam Required
Yes
Supervision Required
No
Additional Requirements
Technical School
Training Hours
4,000
Apprentice Hours
2
Years
Training Programs
EPA Section 608 Certification
VerifiedRequired for Refrigerant Handling
Federal requirement for anyone handling refrigerants. Universal certification covers all equipment types.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
State HVAC Exam
Exam Provider
PSI
Exam Name
Tennessee HVAC Mechanical Examination
Open Book
Yes
Exam Details
80
Questions
240 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
NATE Certification
Voluntary but industry-recognized; covers installation and service specialties
Retake Policy
May retake after 30-day waiting period
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $75 |
Exam Fee | $65 |
License Fee | $150 |
Contractor License Fee | $300 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees | $290 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$150
Regulatory Board
HVAC licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering code updates, refrigerant handling, energy efficiency, and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Tennessee accepts out-of-state HVAC licenses through endorsement if requirements are substantially similar.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
HVAC license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Some states offer endorsement for experienced technicians, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials.
Tennessee requires HVAC contractor licensing for projects over $25,000. The state uses the CMC (Certified Mechanical Contractor) classification and requires both trade and business exams.
EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for anyone handling refrigerants — this applies in all states including Tennessee.
Tennessee requires HVAC contractor licensing for projects over $25,000. The state uses the CMC (Certified Mechanical Contractor) classification and requires both trade and business exams.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021)
Entry Level
$45,220
25th percentile
Median
$51,480
-14% vs. national avg ($59,810)Experienced
$63,430
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,510 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
33,500
per year (avg.)
403,900 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
HVAC Career Ladder+40% salary growth potential
You are here
HVAC Technician
$51,480
Technical training + EPA 608 certification
You are here
HVAC Technician
Technical training + EPA 608 certification
$51,480
Master HVAC license + contractor license
$71,840
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 108–120 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing Requirements
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Tennessee requires state-level licensing. An apprenticeship of 4,000 hours is recommended. All licensing is managed through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.